Play Smart, Be Informed

Win Responsibly

Win Responsibly

If you've won a lottery prize, congratulations! Winning the lottery is always exciting, no matter the amount involved.

And if you're one of our very biggest winners, please be aware that you're claiming an amount of money that will mean a big change in your circumstances. It's important that you have a plan in place for your winnings. We always encourage our winners to consult a financial advisor or an attorney who can help them make preparations before they come forward to claim their prize.

Under Iowa law, lottery winner's information is public. It is not possible for Iowa Lottery prizes to be claimed anonymously.

Taxes Withheld Pie GraphWith larger prizes, federal and state withholding apply prior to the payment being made to you. Those and other details about how and where Iowa Lottery prizes can be claimed are on the Claiming Prizes page of our website. That page also provides direct links to the documents you'll need to claim a prize, including the Iowa Lottery's winner claim form.

Sign the back of your ticket if you haven't already done so. Taking that step identifies the ticket - and any prize involved - as belonging to you. And, keep your ticket in a safe place until you can present it to us at the Iowa Lottery to claim your prize.

The safeguards and tips about Player Security on our website also are important for our winners. For example, did you know that receipts are available for every ticket checked or cashed at a lottery terminal in Iowa? If you ask for the receipt, you'll have the printed details of the results of your ticket.

Scam AlertAnd beware of lottery scams. Scam operations unfortunately are a common part of our world today, and some of them drag lotteries' names and products into the mix.

  • If someone says that you've won a big prize, stop and ask yourself this question: Did I buy a ticket or enter that contest? If you didn't, it's likely a scam.
  • Never pay processing fees, insurance or commissions to claim a lottery prize. Legitimate lotteries do not require winners to pay anything up front to receive a prize.
  • Never believe a letter, phone call or Internet message from someone who claims they can guarantee you a prize. Legitimate lotteries do not guarantee that you will win and do not require you to join a prize pool to play.

The video below walks you through the process of what to expect when you win a big Iowa Lottery prize. Please use it as a resource to learn more, including the potential tax implications and the requirement that lottery winnings in Iowa are subject to the state Income Offset Program.